由於醫療科技的進步 ，使得上消化道疾病的診斷能力大為提高，經由胃鏡檢查可發現許多潛在的上消化道疾病。本研究之目的在於瞭解民眾上消化道異常盛行情形與各種可能的危險因子與上消化道疾病之相關性。本研究利用結構式自擬問卷訪問560位南部某醫學中心參加健康檢查之民眾，內容含人口學資料與上消化道疾病危險因子暴露經驗。上消化道異常判定由胃腸專科醫師利用內視鏡檢查獲得。研究結果發現上消化道異常之盛行率達60.7％，經邏輯複迴歸分析發現男性、高齡、低教育程度、有抽煙習慣及吃檳榔習慣等與上消化道異常有獨立的正相關。研究結果發現生活型態與上消化道疾病的發生是有關係的，醫護專業人員對於一般大眾應特別加強指導實行健康的生活習慣。以預防保健的觀點，建議高危險族群，如上了年紀的男性，可考慮定期接受胃鏡檢查，以期及早發現上消化道的異常情形。

　　　　　As a result of advanced technology, the ability of early detection of upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI) diseases has greatly improved. Many subclinical UGI diseases can be diagnosed by UGI endoscopy. This study investigated the prevalence of UGI diseases and the risk factors associated with these diseases. Five hundred sixty (560) subjects who attended a physical check-up program in a medical center of southern Taiwan were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information about their personal characteristics and exposure to risk factors of UGI diseases. Diagnosis of UGI diseases was made by gastroenterologists with the use of UGI endoscopy. The prevalence of UGI diseases in this sample was 60.7%. Logistic regression analysis showed that males, older age, low education, smoking, and betel nut chewing behaviors were positively associated with UGI diseases. Results confirmed association between life style and UGI diseases. Findings suggest that healthcare providers need to educate the public about risks that are changeable and encourage healthy life style behaviors that will reduce such risks. Further, UGI endoscopy is recommended for high-risk groups, such as older men, for early detection of UGI diseases.